Branch's shutout
I have received two emails this morning about why I didn't write about Deion Branch. To be honest, I didn't know what to say. According to our Season Pass workload report Branch didn't have a catch on three targets. Considering D.J. Hackett missed virtually the entire game, the low total was surprising.
One reason Branch didn't do much is that Matt Hasselbeck only threw 24 passes, a very low amount. Marcus Pollard led the team with five targets. Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, and Branch all had three. Hackett had two in half a quarter.
The total was especially surprising becuase Branch has moved to flanker - Darrell Jackson's old position. Branch has seemingly struggled to adapt to the Seattle offense, but this is only one game. I'll only be concerned if Mack Strong has more targets than Branch again next week. I'd stick with him as a WR3 against the Cardinals.
Comments
Which three WRs would you start in week 3:
Chad Johnson
Donald Driver
Deion Branch
Santonio Holmes
Posted by: KEB | September 10, 2007 03:48 PM
I'd feel better playing Holmes over Branch after his goose egg. At least Holmes will probably score.
Posted by: Tony | September 10, 2007 03:50 PM
Not to make excuses but for most of the game Branch was covered by Ronde Barber.
Once SEA plays the NL West teams, etc. he'll have more productive games.
Posted by: Shane-O | September 10, 2007 03:55 PM
I think now people will start to realize that some players are the product of a system while others are true talent. Branch and his New England clone WRs were not spectacular but in the Patriots offense it allowed them to shine at certain times. There should be a "where are they now" segment on Troy Brown, David Boston and Deion Branch. You can have all of them for one Donald Driver.
Fun Facts:
Deion Branch has never had more than 5 TDs in a season, Never been over 1,000 yards (998 in 2005 / 803 2003)
The fact that Tom Brady had those guys to throw to for 3 superbowls makes him all that much better.
Posted by: Beau | September 10, 2007 04:03 PM
David Boston never played for the pats
Posted by: buster | September 10, 2007 04:05 PM
Sorry I meant David Patten but I just read news about another sorry WR (Boston)
Mistype.
Posted by: Beau | September 10, 2007 04:08 PM
David Givens, too.
Posted by: The Dox | September 10, 2007 04:13 PM